He has served as a volunteer interpreter at Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park ever since.

After retiring from an IT position in 2000, Mike Robinson chose to pursue his passion—history. He has spent hundreds of hours volunteering as an archaeologist, interpreter, and reenactor at historic sites throughout Maryland, DC and Virginia, and has gained experience he never imagined.

Robinson initially came to Montgomery Parks in 2001 as a volunteer in the archaeology program. During that time, he participated in digs at various historic sites across the county including Darby Store, Dowden’s Ordinary, Palmer-Robinson Rockshelter, Blockhouse Point, Agricultural History Farm Park, and Little Bennett Regional Park.

These days, teaching history to visitors as part of the Underground Railroad Experience Trail hikes brings Robinson immense joy. For him, interpreting is all about providing the proper context. Robinson says, “I don’t like lectures, so I make sure the hikes are interactive. I want visitors to walk away with an understanding that America has a constantly evolving political system.”

Robinson sets the historical context of Woodlawn Manor—a place that commemorates the involvement of Montgomery County residents in the Underground Railroad and celebrates the Quaker heritage and traditions of Sandy Spring, Maryland. During the Underground Railroad Experience Trail hikes led by Robinson, visitors stop at the large field near the spring. He asks them to silence themselves for a moment so they can contemplate the historical significance of the ground upon which they stand.

“The question of who is included in the political system and in our society changes. There are times when we move backwards,” he explains. “Those are the times when I think interpreters are even more important, in order to show the history of the Unites States so that we can move forward towards more inclusiveness.”

Learn more about the Underground Railroad Experience Trail Hike. Interpreters lead guided hikes each Saturday from April through November. Guided hikes are available during the week by request for groups of 10 or more.